Brady Hails New York State Gun Safety Legislation

Washington, D.C., January 29, 2019 - Today, state legislators in New York passed a legislative package that will strengthen the state’s already robust gun safety laws. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence hailed the legislation, noting the complexity of the gun violence epidemic.

Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign, stated,

"Thanks to the ongoing efforts of New York's elected officials, residents of the state are already protected by some of the country's strongest gun safety laws. But gun violence is a complex epidemic that requires a multi-faceted policy response, and we're pleased to see the state legislature continue pushing for further action. From expanding Brady Background Checks to enacting Extreme Risk Protection Orders, this is a comprehensive and ambitious package that will serve as a model for the nation. We're proud to support these important bills, and we look forward to the governor signing them into law as soon as possible."

Legislation passed today by the New York State Senate and Assembly include:

• S2451/A2689, enacting Extreme Risk Protection Orders throughout the state. Notably, the bill is the first extreme risk law that would allow educators to petition the court directly for temporary gun removal from a person in crisis.
• S2374/A2690, extending the time period for a federal background check to be cleared from 3 business days to 30 calendar days. This helps to close the “Charleston loophole” by requiring gun dealers to wait 30 calendar days before proceeding with a firearm sale.
• S2448/A2648, banning bump stocks and similar devices. While the Trump Administration banned bump stocks on a national level through the rulemaking process, that decision is already mired in court challenges, highlighting the need for states to continue to take legislative action.
• S101A/A1715A, amending the penal law to prevent school districts from arming teachers. A poll of midterm voters in New York’s 19th Congressional District found that 75% of residents believe a better use for federal school funding is for mental health programs, drug and violence prevention services, and health and physical education, rather than giving the money to gun manufacturers so that schools can arm teachers.
• S2438/A1213, amending the law to allow gun permitting agencies to review out-of-state mental health records as part of the permit process.
• S2449/A2685, amending executive law and state finance law in relation to municipal gun buyback programs.